What are Trigger Points...Trigger points or trigger sites are super-irritable spots in muscles that are associated within taunt bands of muscle fibers. It is believedthat they are small contraction knots and a common cause of pain. Unexplained pain frequently radiatesfrom these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself.There are over 620 potential trigger points possible in human muscles. These trigger points, when theybecome active or latent, show up in the same places in muscles in every person.An active trigger point is one that actively refers pain either locally or to another location. Most triggerpoints refer pain elsewhere in the body along nerve pathways. A latent trigger point is one that exists, butdoes not yet refer pain actively, but may do so when pressure or strain is applied to that myoskeletal(muscle/skeletal) structure containing the trigger point. Latent trigger points can influence muscleactivation patterns, which can result in poorer muscle coordination and balance. Active and latent triggerpoints are also known as “Yipe” points, for obvious reasons.Trigger points can be caused by a number of factors, including acute or chronic muscle overload, activationby other trigger points, disease, stress, direct trauma to the region, infections and health issues such assmoking.Remedies:Trigger Point Therapy: A special type of deep tissue massage that relieves areas of chronic pain as a resultof repetitive motion or injury. The therapy uses a series of rhythmic motions specifically targeting problemareas. This technique is also used in the relief of fibromyalgia. Trigger points are areas of tenderness in amuscle.Myofascial Massage: This is a method of massage and stretching that loosens the muscles and connectivetissue, giving relief to tight or painful areas. It relieves soft tissue restrictions that cause pain. The fascialsystem is a web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body and surrounds every muscle, bone,nerve blood vessel and organ to the cellular level.